By Phenyo Selinda
The Port of East London has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of two advanced tugboats, completing Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1 billion Marine Fleet Renewal Programme. This strategic investment aims to enhance the availability of tugboats, improve shipping operations, and bolster the economic performance of South Africa’s ports, aligning with TNPA’s broader Recovery Plan. The addition of these tugboats signifies the final step in a comprehensive effort to modernize and expand the capabilities of the port, promoting growth across key industries.
Modern Tugboats for Enhanced Operations
The two new tugboats, delivered by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT), are equipped with state-of-the-art azimuth stern drives and boast a 60-tonne bollard pull, surpassing the capacity of the existing fleet, which ranges between 32 to 43 tonnes. This improvement is essential in handling larger and newer vessels, ensuring the safe navigation of ships, pilotage, towage, and pollution control. The enhanced manoeuvrability of the tugs will significantly reduce vessel turnaround times, improving overall port efficiency .
Supporting the Port’s Expansion Plan
The acquisition of these tugboats is not an isolated effort but part of a broader expansion strategy at the Port of East London. In addition to the tugs, TNPA is investing in infrastructure improvements, including deepening and strengthening the port’s automotive berth to resolve berthing challenges. A major milestone in this project was achieved in November 2023 with the commencement of concrete works. The expanded capacity will allow the port to accommodate larger vessels and increase volume throughput, providing a competitive edge for the region .
The port’s dry dock facility will also benefit from the upcoming delivery of two jib cranes, expected to enhance the ship repair capacity in the 2024/25 financial year. These strategic upgrades are geared towards preparing the port for anticipated growth in shipping demand, with a particular focus on sectors like automotive and agriculture, which are key drivers of the Eastern Cape’s economy .
Driving Economic Growth and Competitiveness
TNPA Board Chairperson Andile Sangqu highlighted the importance of this investment in port infrastructure during the tugboat christening ceremony. Sangqu emphasized that modernizing the marine fleet is a critical element of Transnet’s Recovery Plan, which aims to address declining operational performance by revitalizing marine assets and improving reliability across South African ports. The investment is also expected to attract more investors to the region, enhancing the port’s role as a catalyst for economic growth .
The tugboats, named Lentswe (“voice of sailors”) and Kganya (“light”), were christened by TNPA Board Members Boitumelo Sedupane and Valda Gossman. The names were selected through a competition held among TNPA employees, further reflecting the collaborative spirit driving this renewal effort .
Benefits for the Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko praised the acquisition of the new tugboats, noting that the improved capacity will boost operational efficiency, especially in sectors like automotive and agriculture. He also highlighted the role of the port in attracting investors, which is vital for tackling the high unemployment rates in the province. The new tugboats will significantly improve container vessel turnaround times, further increasing productivity at the port .
Broader Impacts on South Africa’s Ports
The Marine Fleet Renewal Programme is part of a larger national effort to boost the efficiency of South Africa’s seaports. The Port of Durban has also received five tugboats under this initiative, highlighting TNPA’s commitment to ensuring that all major ports in the country are equipped to handle growing global shipping demands. The modern fleet aligns with international standards, enabling South African ports to remain competitive and play a critical role in the global supply chain .
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